Snap Guide: Tokyo

Japan's capital city vibrates with chaotic energy. Its neon signs hypnotize, and sidewalks are thick with pedestrians at all hours of the day. Crowded and constantly on the move, Tokyo is where old and new collide. It's not unusual to see centuries-old shrines abutting trendy designer boutiques and kimono-clad residents using the latest handheld technology. Behind all the city's shimmering glass skyscrapers lies majestic snow-capped Mount Fuji. These are just some of the reasons why we love Tokyo.

CITY LINKS

• Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO)
• Tokyo Tourism Website
• Yes! Tokyo
• Welcome Inn Reservation Center Online booking for accommodation under 8,000 yen per night
• Toei Transportation Information Online Metro map (PDF)
• Japan Rail (JR) Lines Guide maps for major train stations
• Japan Rail (JR) Lines Greater Tokyo map of all rail lines and stations (PDF)
• Hyperdia Searchable train routes, times, and prices
• Tokyo Food Page Guide to eating and drinking in Japan
• Snow Japan Winter sports guide & online community
• Japan Today Japanese news and discussions
• Metropolis Popular weekly magazine
• The Japan Times Daily newspaper

EVENTS

• Emperor's New Year Greetings at the Imperial Palace January 2
• New Year Grand Sumo Tournament January
• Hari Kuyo Festival for broken pins and needles, Senso-ji, Asakusa, February
• Tokyo International Anime Fair March
• Cherry Blossom Viewing late March-early April
• Kawasaki Daishi Kanamara Penis Festival April
• Asakusa Sanja Festival, Senso-ji, Asakusa, 3rd weekend in May
• Great Japan Beer Festival, June
• Tokyo International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival July
• Sumida River Fireworks late July
• Asakusa Samba Carnival (Japanese-only website), late August
• Tokyo Game Show September
• Tokyo International Film Festival October
• Tokyo Motor Show, late October-early November
• Tokyo Design Festa November